Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1887-12-30

less, but well-nigh pcnnilesS. Mr.. Ellerton
made almost superhuman efforts to rescue
his dear ones frorl the devouring flames,
and, though he succeeded. it was at the eX-
pense of his own life. Kind friends shell
tered the homeless ones for the time, and
Grace wrote to her lover. telling him of
thsir great less. and anSiously awaited his
reply and speedy return.
But no letter came, her heart grow sick
with hope deferred, and then her PRIDE rose;
she was no longer the pettcd daughter of a
millionaire, but poor girl and if she had
been mistaken in her lovers fidelity. she
would not be the object of his pity. SO she
determined TO be independent of all friends,
and after securing the pittance which was
all that these helpless women could claim,
she took her mother and hid away FROM her
fashionable friends. and tried to earn their
living How many times she longed for the
quick business Elind winch could have
evoked system from this chaos, and have
rescued n competence from the unscruDU-
lous partners who assured her there was
nothing more for them in the wreck Of the
great business which her father had built
up What could she do. She had always
been distin guiShed for her taste in dress,
and her exquisite toiettes were the envy Of
many of her friends. This seemed 10 be her
most available talent and she sought and
obtained situation in Madam Moore's
fashionable establishment, and was soon
intrusted with the designing of the most
elaborate and particular parts of the elegant
costumes sent out from those rooms.
And thus it was that Grace Eilerton was
busy making the garment that her former
friend Constance Bolton expected TO wear
at the grand fancy ball she was TO give on
Christmas eve, five years after her own
disappearance from society. She never
was seen by madamc's patrons; her work
was to elaborate ard complete the garniture
of the costumes ordered. In this case it
was likewise = labor of love, for pretty
Constance had been very dear to her in
former days, and only her own pride had
pceventcd c continuance of their friend
ship, for she had so e1fcctually concealed
herself from all her friends, that even
Constance had no idea of her position.
The costume was for fairy and Grace
had allowed her fancy and taste full play in
the design and execution of the dainty
fabric. 1t would suit her sweet face, and
petite form well, dear little Constance; she
thought of the many times her own stately
2 beauty had been seen in contrast with her
friends, and the sharp contrast now brought
a Sigh to tic proud lips which seldom
murmured.
But the costume was complete and must
be delivered at once, for il was almost time
for the dainty hostess to begin her toilette.
Hastily ringing bell for a messenger,
she waited impatie-.-ly. Madam Moore her
self entered, in di5Eiay
s'Oh, Miss Eierton. the messengers have
all gone home, and Miss Bottoms costume
not vet delivered; what shall do? and she
wrung her hands in despair THAT idle
Jane | baGe her await my orders and find
her not here; the robe must go, it VIII cost
me Miss Bottoms patronage if it is not do
livcred in season.
''Do not distress yourself, Madam Imy
self will deliver tho garment ct Miss Boil
tons residence"
''Qh, thank you, but it is a long distance,
do you know where it is''
II know" she replied, bitterly thinking
of the many times she had gone as guest
where she now proposed to go as servant,
but she would leave the box at the door, and
not see any of the family.
She stopped at her own humble homo to
tell her mother where she was going, and
then started on her errand.
The house she sought was miles away,
on the west side of the great city, and when
she left the street-cars she was still some
distance away. and to her dismay she found
the hour much later than she thought, and
a driving snow-storm blowing from the
boundless prairies, joined to many changes
in the city, completely bewildercd her
Meantime the maid had finished the ar
rangemcnt of Miss Bottoms hair, and only
awaited the arrival of the robe to complete
the picture of as beautiful sprite as ever
left fairy land.
''It grows late, Miss Constance-what
shall do"
Il can't understand it, Madam Moore
said she would submit my idea to the de-
signer, and she promised complete sue
cess-something unique. She never disap-